Alaska Fish and Game Cases

Alaska’s natural resources are rightly renowned throughout the world, and that includes our fish and wildlife. Steve Wells moved to Alaska to enjoy Alaska’s wilderness and continues to do so whenever possible, whether fly fishing, snowmachining, camping, shooting, hunting, or just enjoying a campfire by the river. Because of his love for and experience with Alaska’s outdoors, Steve Wells knows that hunting or fishing in Alaska is frequently the experience of a lifetime, a true bucket-list event.

Unfortunately, the size of Alaska and the particular fauna of the Far North have created a regulatory system that can be overwhelming to resident and visitor alike. Failure to follow Alaska’s game laws can result in charges that require a jail sentence and heavy fines.** If you have been cited or charged with violating Alaska’s Fish and Game laws, you need an attorney who will stand up for you with his legal and personal experience.

Guides, Lodges, and Outfitters

When clients do not follow Alaska’s complex laws, the results for a Guide, Lodge, or Outfitter can be devastating. The State of Alaska can seek forfeiture of any equipment used to violate fish and game laws*** as well as suspend or revoke the professional license.**** Steve has represented Guides, Lodge Owners, and Outfitters facing criminal charges as well as administrative licensure hearings. If you are facing charges as a Guide, Lodge Owner or Outfitter, you need an attorney with the experience of Steve Wells to help you reach the best result possible.

Commercial Fishing

The complexities of Alaska’s fishing and hunting regulations pale in comparison to the byzantine nature of Alaska’s commercial fishing regulations.  Commercial fishing tickets can become quite expensive quite quickly. Steve Wells lived for years in Bristol Bay where the seasons and schedule, including the court schedule, literally revolved around the commercial and subsistence fishing calendars. Steve Wells has the background and experience representing captains, crew members, boat owners, and permit holders facing a multitude of commercial fishing charges, whether “fishing on the State of Alaska’s time,” improper recording harvest tickets, improper gear or marking of gear to far more serious offenses.

The State of Alaska has a whole fleet of law enforcement agents charged with enforcing Alaska’s fish and game laws. If you are facing charges related to commercial fishing anywhere in Alaska, you need someone with Steve Wells’ background and experience to navigate these treacherous waters.

Federal Offenses

In some instances, a state fish and game case can be prosecuted in federal court. The Lacey Act prohibits the importation, exportation, transportation, sale, receipt, acquisition or purchase of any fish, wildlife or plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any law, treaty, or regulation of the United States. If the value of the fish, wildlife, or plant taken exceeds $350, it is a felony.

Steve Wells has represented clients from across the country facing a wide variety of Lacey Act charges, from transporting an illegally-taken brown bear hide home to another state to trying to import endangered coral without a valid CITES permit. Steve combines his knowledge of Alaska’s fish and game laws and his extensive experience in federal court to achieve excellent results for his clients.

Many times Steve has had success in obtaining these excellent results even before charges are officially filed. If federal fish and wildlife agents try to talk to you, politely decline their invitation to talk and instead talk with Steve Wells today.

Contact a strong Alaska fish and game lawyer

If you have been charged with violating Alaska’s Fish and Game laws, with the experience of Steve Wells to help you reach the best result possible. At Steven M. Wells, P.C., in Anchorage. Call me at 907-279-3557 or contact me online to schedule your free initial consultation.

** AS 16.30.010(b) – wanton waste of a game animal requires a seven (7) day jail sentence and a fine of at least $2,500. Here is a list of common hunting violations.

*** See Baum v Alaska, 24 P.3d 577 (Alaska App. 2001)(upholding forfeiture of $40,000 plane for guide convicted of illegal transportation of game).

**** AS 08.54.720(f).